Fruit Fly

Found worldwide in close association with humans, near fermenting organic matter, kitchens, and trash cans.

Mainly feeds on yeast growing on fermenting fruits and vegetables, and other organic items.

Rapid life cycle (8-10 days); attracted to sugar and light; often seen hovering in groups near overripe fruit or damp indoor areas.

Primarily a nuisance pest that can contaminate food with bacteria; however, they are invaluable to science as a major model organism in genetic research.